The Libertines Sign to Virgin EMI, Plan First Album Since 2004

Earlier this summer, the Libertinesreunited to play their first live shows in four years. Today, the band announced they've signed a record deal with Virgin EMI, and hope to release a new studio album next year—their third, and first since 2004's self-titled LP. They signed the deal in Thailand, where Pete Doherty is currently going to rehab. Above and below, check out photos from the signing. Update: Below, watch video from the signing.

"I don’t know what to say, I’m so happy," Doherty said in a press release. "It was a beautiful day." His bandmate, Carl Barât, added: "After everything we have been through The Albion sails on course again, I couldn't be more excited."

Doherty has also teamed with his rehab facility, the Hope Rehabilitation Centre, to launch the Peter Doherty Hope Initiative (PDHI) to help fund treatment at the Centre for other patients.

Formed in 1997, the Libertines released two albums over the span of their career: 2002's Up the Bracketand 2004's aforementioned self-titled album. By 2004, Doherty's public, paparazzi-documented struggle with addiction, coupled with disagreements between himself and Bârat, resulted in the band's breakup.

In 2007, Rough Trade released a best-of album titled Time for Heroes: the Best of the Libertines. The band briefly reunited in 2010 for a few shows, then reconvened again for the tour earlier this year. (A decision which Doherty admitted was made "for the money" but also "in the spirit of the band.")